Hyundai announced today that it is making navigation an option on its 2010 Elantra. The LG-sourced unit not only includes turn-by-turn directions and a large 6.5-inch screen, but 8 GB of internal map storage, XM satellite radio, and Bluetooth phone connectivity.

I find it funny that Hyundai, a Korean car company, is using "Blue" to identify its most fuel-efficient cars. This move reminds me of the Volkswagen BlueMotion models and the AdBlue name for diesel-exhaust after-treatment fluids, both of which are very German. Identifying products as "blue" makes me think of a marine application, and the label could be confusing for consumers who are looking for products to help save the environment, which are more typically referred to as "green."

Unlike Phil, I thing that the Elantra Blue did feel significantly cheaper than many of its competitors, particularly because of its flat, uncomfortable front seats and extra-hard interior materials, most notably on the inner door panels. The insulation-free trunk lid also was light to the point of feeling very cheap.

We spend so much time praising our Four Seasons Hyundai Genesis that it's become easy to forget that Hyundai is still best known as a purveyor of cheap, no-frills transportation. This Elantra Blue, decent though it may be, is a clear reminder of the Korean brand's humble roots.

If you replaced the "Blue" suffix with "thrift," you might have a little more semblance of what this car is all about. Not only is the Elantra remarkably inexpensive to purchase (although you will want to spring for the $1700 comfort package option), it's inexpensive to operate. Thanks to some small powertrain refinements and low-rolling-resistance tires, the Elantra is able to eke out an EPA rating of 35 mpg on the highway - the same as the Honda Fit (the Elantra's 26 mpg city figure isn't far off from the Fit's 28, by the way).

Warranty

Recalls

Recall Date

12-31-1969:21:35:30

Component

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:SWITCHES:BRAKE LIGHT

Summary

Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2006-2009 Accent, model year 2007-2011 Azera, Sonata and Sante Fe,2006-2011 Tucson, 2009-2011 Elantra Touring, 2007-2010 Elantra, 2008-2011 Veracruz, 2009-2011 Genesis, 2010-2011 Genesis Coupe, 2007-2008 Entourage, and 2006-2008 Tiburon vehicles. Originally, in April 2013, Hyundai recalled 1,059,824 model year 2007-2009 Accent and Tucson, model year 2007-2010 Elantra, model year 2007-2011 Santa Fe, model year 2008-2009 Veracruz, model year 2010-2011 Genesis Coupe, and model year 2011 Sonata vehicles. In September 2013, Hyundai informed the agency that it was adding more vehicles to this campaign, representing an additional 652,512 units. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 1,712,336. In the affected vehicles, the stop lamp switch may malfunction. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause an inability to deactivate the cruise control by depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, a malfunctioning stop lamp switch may also result in intermittent operation of the push-button start feature, affect the operation of the brake transmission shift interlock feature, preventing the shifter from being moved out of the PARK position and cause the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) malfunction light to illuminate.

Consequences

Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'ON' position, the transmission shifter may be able to be moved out of Park without first applying the brake. This may lead to unintentional movement of the car which may increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. The safety recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's recall campaign number is 110.

Potential Units Affected

1,712,336

Notes

Hyundai Motor Company

Recall Date

12-31-1969:21:35:30

Component

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

Summary

Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2006-2009 Accent, model year 2007-2011 Azera, Sonata and Sante Fe,2006-2011 Tucson, 2009-2011 Elantra Touring, 2007-2010 Elantra, 2008-2011 Veracruz, 2009-2011 Genesis, 2010-2011 Genesis Coupe, 2007-2008 Entourage, and 2006-2008 Tiburon vehicles. Originally, in April 2013, Hyundai recalled 1,059,824 model year 2007-2009 Accent and Tucson, model year 2007-2010 Elantra, model year 2007-2011 Santa Fe, model year 2008-2009 Veracruz, model year 2010-2011 Genesis Coupe, and model year 2011 Sonata vehicles. In September 2013, Hyundai informed the agency that it was adding more vehicles to this campaign, representing an additional 652,512 units. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 1,712,336. In the affected vehicles, the stop lamp switch may malfunction. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause an inability to deactivate the cruise control by depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, a malfunctioning stop lamp switch may also result in intermittent operation of the push-button start feature, affect the operation of the brake transmission shift interlock feature, preventing the shifter from being moved out of the PARK position and cause the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) malfunction light to illuminate.

Consequences

Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'ON' position, the transmission shifter may be able to be moved out of Park without first applying the brake. This may lead to unintentional movement of the car which may increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. The safety recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's recall campaign number is 110.

Potential Units Affected

1,712,336

Notes

Hyundai Motor Company

Recall Date

12-31-1969:21:35:50

Component

STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

Summary

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Elantra vehicles manufactured June 1, 2008, to April 30, 2010, and 2009-2010 Elantra Touring vehicles manufactured November 1, 2008, to April 30, 2010. The electronic power steering (EPS) electronic control unit (ECU) may sense a discrepancy in the steering input signals and, as a result, disable the steering power assist.

Consequences

If power steering assist is lost, greater driver effort would be required to steer the vehicle at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will verify the proper operation of the Electronic Power Steering and update the EPS control unit, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for this recall is 127.